LisaRaye McCoy Takes On Colorism in Directorial Debut, ‘Skinned’

LisaRaye McCoy makes her directorial debut by tackling colorism in the African-American community in the upcoming film Skinned.

The film follows a young woman named Jolie (played by Jasmine Burke of Drumline: A New Beat) who bleaches her dark skin in order to feel more beautiful and get a man. However, she soon finds that life doesn’t get easier for her after her skin is lighter.

In addition to directing, McCoy also has a lead role as Jolie’s mother.

The film’s creators and producers are hoping the movie will send a message about self-acceptance and even launched the “No Bleach! Love The Skin You’re In” campaign, an initiative “designed to make a global impact to bring awareness to the harmful dangers and side effects including death,” according to the film website.